Sibling Loss Group
The death of a sibling, either in childhood or adulthood, is a very particular kind of loss that can involve a myriad of complex emotions. In this supportive psychotherapy group, we will explore the impact of losing a sibling with ...
Hosted by Ava Charney-Danysh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
The death of a sibling, either in childhood or adulthood, is a very particular kind of loss that can involve a myriad of complex emotions. In this supportive psychotherapy group, we will explore the impact of losing a sibling with ...
Countertransference and the Self of the Therapist
This is a consultation group for psychotherapists which focuses on enhancing the therapist's understanding of her Countertransference and potential intersecting vulnerabilities with patients to facilitate both personal and professional development. This group meets on the second Friday of the month. ...
Hosted by Susan Diamond Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
This is a consultation group for psychotherapists which focuses on enhancing the therapist's understanding of her Countertransference and potential intersecting vulnerabilities with patients to facilitate both personal and professional development. This group meets on the second Friday of the month. ...
Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop | May 2 & 3, 2020
Are you and your partner stuck repeating the same arguments that leave you feeling frustrated and alone? This couples workshop is for you! Based on Dr. Sue Johnson's (the creator of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) book, Hold Me Tight, this ...
Hosted by Heather Lazzaretti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
Are you and your partner stuck repeating the same arguments that leave you feeling frustrated and alone? This couples workshop is for you! Based on Dr. Sue Johnson's (the creator of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) book, Hold Me Tight, this ...
Meditation Support Group
This group is for beginning and intermediate meditators to learn and practice meditation in a supportive small group. Many people feel they "can't" meditate, they give up quickly, or continue to try but find it very difficult and unpleasant, often ...
Hosted by Heather Hardeman Galvano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
This group is for beginning and intermediate meditators to learn and practice meditation in a supportive small group. Many people feel they "can't" meditate, they give up quickly, or continue to try but find it very difficult and unpleasant, often ...
Men's Group
A group for men to connect, share about personal topics and support one another. Topics may include: intimate relationships, expressing emotions, work & career, and examining the ways men are socialized in society, all with the goal of fostering more ...
Hosted by Woody Wu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
A group for men to connect, share about personal topics and support one another. Topics may include: intimate relationships, expressing emotions, work & career, and examining the ways men are socialized in society, all with the goal of fostering more ...
Adult Open Studio Art Therapy Group
Are you experiencing a creative block? Looking for a way to decrease stress and anxiety? Feeling isolated and looking for support in a judgment-free setting? Are you interested in getting to know yourself on a deeper level through your art? ...
Hosted by Danielle Swan
Pre-Licensed Professional, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Are you experiencing a creative block? Looking for a way to decrease stress and anxiety? Feeling isolated and looking for support in a judgment-free setting? Are you interested in getting to know yourself on a deeper level through your art? ...
Somatic Therapy Skills Group
An 8-week holistic therapy group drawing from yoga philosophy, mindfulness meditation, EMDR and Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing®. Learn skills to trust and utilize your body as your guide in working toward greater awareness, authenticity and presence. In this group ...
Hosted by Shauna Bergh--Somatic Therapy & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT-500, SEP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94608
An 8-week holistic therapy group drawing from yoga philosophy, mindfulness meditation, EMDR and Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing®. Learn skills to trust and utilize your body as your guide in working toward greater awareness, authenticity and presence. In this group ...
APA - Asian Pacific-Islander American Group
Centering restorative justice, COVID-19, and the APA experience.
Hosted by Lai Chien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94610
Centering restorative justice, COVID-19, and the APA experience.
The Relational Self
This group offers a holistic, trauma-informed and experiential therapeutic approach. The group aims to help members discover strengths, uncover and realign belief systems, improve their ability to relate and interact with others, receive feedback, and identify how societal/cultural themes influence ...
Hosted by Erica S Wheeler-Dubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
This group offers a holistic, trauma-informed and experiential therapeutic approach. The group aims to help members discover strengths, uncover and realign belief systems, improve their ability to relate and interact with others, receive feedback, and identify how societal/cultural themes influence ...
Mixed/Multi-heritage Identity group- online
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", ...
Hosted by Jennie Powe Runde
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, REAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
As someone who identifies as bi/multiracial, bi/multicultural, or in some other way that doesn't quite fit these boxes, this group is an opportunity to come together with other multi-heritage folks to share experiences, be seen and heard, "take up space", ...
Bold Love Men’s Group Online Workshop June 11, 202
I will be offering a 4-hour Men's Group online workshop on Thursday 6/11/20 from 5pm to 9:30pm, with a 30- minute break for dinner. The fee for workshop will be $100 per person. Given the nature of this workshop, the ...
Hosted by Mindfulness Centered Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
I will be offering a 4-hour Men's Group online workshop on Thursday 6/11/20 from 5pm to 9:30pm, with a 30- minute break for dinner. The fee for workshop will be $100 per person. Given the nature of this workshop, the ...
Support Group for New/First Time Dads
The impact of bringing a child into the world can be challenging to navigate, but as fathers we can strengthen one another. In this group we will be looking at our own experiences in childhood and what was modeled by ...
Hosted by Scott Silverstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94606
The impact of bringing a child into the world can be challenging to navigate, but as fathers we can strengthen one another. In this group we will be looking at our own experiences in childhood and what was modeled by ...
Moms of Special Needs Children
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach ...
Hosted by Katie Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94566
As a mom to a neurodiverse, medically complex child, I understand the challenges that accompany raising these special kiddos. I've created a safe, welcoming space to share our experiences and get support from other moms on this journey. Please reach ...
Attachment Focused EMDR Practicum Group
Hosted by Elena Felder
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94601
Men's Group (2) - Thursdays (Berkeley)
For those who learn by doing, you will get immense value and satisfaction from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Process Group. You will learn about your relationship patterns and change the ones that don't work, all while offering both support and challenge, ...
Hosted by Berne Fitzpatrick
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
For those who learn by doing, you will get immense value and satisfaction from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Process Group. You will learn about your relationship patterns and change the ones that don't work, all while offering both support and challenge, ...
Women: Anger & Assertiveness Psychotherapy Group
** NOW OFFERING INDIVIDUAL & COUPLE TELEHEALTH ANGER & ASSERTIVENESS SESSIONS until COVID-safe to resume group** Safe, supportive, confidential place for women ready to learn anger management & assertiveness skills. Heal trauma, abuse, bullying from adult, teen, childhood.. Share, witness ...
Hosted by Debra Milinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
** NOW OFFERING INDIVIDUAL & COUPLE TELEHEALTH ANGER & ASSERTIVENESS SESSIONS until COVID-safe to resume group** Safe, supportive, confidential place for women ready to learn anger management & assertiveness skills. Heal trauma, abuse, bullying from adult, teen, childhood.. Share, witness ...
Foresight Mental Health
Foresight is a mental health and wellness clinic providing patients with a wide range of treatment and services related to improving mental health and lifestyle. We are a team of psychiatrists, therapists, software engineers, bioengineers, and researchers with a mission ...
Hosted by Dmitra Danilenko-Dixon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Foresight is a mental health and wellness clinic providing patients with a wide range of treatment and services related to improving mental health and lifestyle. We are a team of psychiatrists, therapists, software engineers, bioengineers, and researchers with a mission ...
DBT Consulting Group for Therapists
Peer Consultation Group for therapists who want to practice Dialectical Behavioral Skill building, in a supportive and peer run circle (of up to 10 clinicians).
Hosted by DBT certified: Myra Altenau, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Piedmont, CA 94610
Peer Consultation Group for therapists who want to practice Dialectical Behavioral Skill building, in a supportive and peer run circle (of up to 10 clinicians).
Healing from the Fear of Abandoment
This workshop will help you identify your repetitive relationship challenges and provide guidance on how to break these negative patterns. We all bring to our relationships aspects of our past that continue to show up and impact our ability to ...
Hosted by Valerie Doyle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Leandro, CA 94577
This workshop will help you identify your repetitive relationship challenges and provide guidance on how to break these negative patterns. We all bring to our relationships aspects of our past that continue to show up and impact our ability to ...
Gearing for Fatherhood Group
Do you want to be a dad someday, already are a dad, step-dad, supportive adult, or soon-to-be dad? This group will be launching on 1/15/2024 for male-identified individuals interested in talking about fatherhood and the roles we play as men. ...
Hosted by Erik Vincent Kahn
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
Do you want to be a dad someday, already are a dad, step-dad, supportive adult, or soon-to-be dad? This group will be launching on 1/15/2024 for male-identified individuals interested in talking about fatherhood and the roles we play as men. ...
See more therapy options for Alameda County
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Alameda County?
Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
How does group therapy work?
Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group counseling is typically less expensive than individual counseling, with each session costing on average between $60 to $75. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200 and up, even after insurance. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
As with individual therapy, many insurance companies do offer coverage for group therapy sessions. However, the coverage varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to verify coverage.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.